Ahead of this weekend’s MXGP of China in Shanghai, the FIM Motocross World Championship is preparing for a major milestone as Chinese manufacturers begin establishing a presence at the sport’s highest level.
KOVE and ZXMOTO have both confirmed plans to enter the MXGP World Championship in 2027 with factory-backed programmes, while JHL Factory Racing will make history this weekend by becoming the first Chinese manufacturer to line up on an MXGP starting gate through a wildcard appearance at its home Grand Prix in Shanghai.
The developments mark the strongest commitment yet from Chinese motorcycle manufacturers to world motocross and provide a tangible return on MXGP’s long-term strategy of expanding into new markets across Asia.
KOVE was the first of the two manufacturers to formally outline its plans, confirming on August 31 that it will field a two-rider factory effort in the premier MXGP category from 2027. The programme will be managed by Tom Steensels, who previously headed the TBS Conversions KTM operation and now oversees the development and construction of the new factory team.
In announcing the project, KOVE described the effort as a long-term factory racing programme aimed at establishing the brand at the highest level of motocross competition.
Founded in Chongqing in 2017, KOVE has steadily built its reputation through international competition, particularly at the Dakar Rally, while growing into one of China’s leading manufacturers in the mid and large-capacity motorcycle market. The move into MXGP represents another major step in the company’s global ambitions.
ZXMOTO is working to a similar timeline, with the manufacturer also targeting a full MXGP campaign in 2027. Racing director Jesús Rincón is leading the project, with development centred on a new 450cc motocross machine being developed between China and Europe.
According to the company, the motorcycle is already running, and preparations are underway to finalise the team structure and rider line-up ahead of the championship debut. ZXMOTO had considered making an appearance at this year’s Chinese Grand Prix before deciding to focus its resources on ensuring the programme is fully prepared for 2027. The company already has experience at world championship level, having recorded victories in international road racing competition during 2026.
Before either manufacturer reaches the MXGP starting gate full-time, however, another Chinese brand will make history this weekend.
JHL Factory Racing will field German-Taiwanese rider Brian Hsu aboard its LX350R machine at the Oriental Beauty Valley MXGP of China. While the appearance is limited to a one-off wildcard entry, it will mark the first time a Chinese manufacturer has competed in an MXGP World Championship event.
For JHL, the Shanghai appearance is less about results and more about benchmarking its motorcycle and programme against the established factory teams in front of a home crowd.
The timing is notable for MXGP itself. Recent seasons have seen an influx of manufacturer investment, with Ducati joining the championship and Triumph expanding its presence in Grand Prix motocross. The arrival of KOVE and ZXMOTO would continue that trend and further diversify the MXGP manufacturer landscape.
It also underlines the importance of China’s place on the championship calendar. Shanghai’s purpose-built circuit in the Fengxian District was developed as part of a long-term strategy to grow motocross in the region, and the emergence of Chinese factory projects suggests those efforts are beginning to bear fruit.
As Infront Moto Racing President David Luongo noted, the championship’s move into Asia was designed to place MXGP ahead of an emerging market rather than follow it. With two Chinese manufacturers preparing full factory programmes for 2027 and a third making its MXGP debut this weekend, that vision is beginning to take shape.
